Rhododendron Removal & Control

Rhododendron Removal & Control

Rhododendron is responsible for the destruction of native woodland ecology throughout the United Kingdom and particularly in Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

About Rhododendron Ponticum

Although an attractive woodland shrub, Rhododendron is in fact an invasive weed. It is responsible for the destruction of many native habitats and the abandonment of land throughout Sussex, Kent, Surrey and the wider area.

Rhododendron, called Common Rhododendron or Pontic Rhododendron, is a species of Rhododendron native to southern Europe and southwest Asia.

Rhododendron was introduced to the UK in the 18th Century by the Victorians as an ornamental plant and as cover for game birds.

The reason why it is so damaging to the native plants is simple: where conditions are right, Rhododendron is very aggressive and will out-compete most native plants. It grows to many times the height of competing native species, allowing very little light to penetrate through its thick leaf canopy damaging the biodiversity of an area.

How do I know if I have a Rhododendron problem?

Rhododendron thrives in mild, wet climatic conditions, where there are poor, acidic soils. Unless established plants are constantly kept in check, they will expand into adjacent areas, rapidly eliminating the majority of native plant species ruining conditions and the aesthetic.

Rhododendrons’ Characteristics – Rhododendron Ponticum

  • It is a dense suckering shrub
  • It grows to an average height of 5ms
  • The leaves are ever-green
  • Rhododendron flowers are violet-purple, often with small yellow-ish spots

Additional Harm Rhododendron Can Cause

Apart from the fact Rhododendron is highly invasive and there are other serious problems associated with the Rhododendron plant.

Rhododendron ponticum is poisonous to grazing animals and in some cases humans too. Rhododendron has a toxin called grayanotoxin in their pollen and nectar. People have been known to become ill from eating honey made by bees feeding on rhododendron flowers.

Rhododendron is extremely toxic to horses, with some animals dying within a few hours of ingesting the plant.

Rhododendron ponticum also poisons the soil in which it grows thus preventing other species of plants growing.

How do I remove and control Rhododendron?

Controlling and removing Rhododendron should be undertaken by a skilled and trained professional so that the herbicides required are used correctly and do not damage surrounding ecology.

Japanese Knotweed Sussex has significant experience when it comes to eradicating and removing Rhododendron Ponticum. What’s more, we can also help arrange funding with a grant via the Forestry Commission.

Here are the methods we use to solve a Rhododendron Ponticum problem:

  • Knapsack spraying
  • Rhododendron Stem injection

The suitability of each method is dependent on the site’s circumstances and requirements. We will discuss the most appropriate method of removal following the free site survey.

Invasive, injurious and aggressive weeds we manage:

  • Japanese Knotweed
  • Rhododendron
  • Ragwort
  • Himalayan Balsalm
  • Brambles & Nettles

Where we carry out invasive weed management:

  • Brighton
  • Burgess Hill
  • Haywards Heath
  • Horsham
  • East Sussex
  • West Sussex
  • Kent
  • Surrey

Arrange a free site survey now

  • Call 07791915502 or 01273 499029
  • or email japaneseknotweedsussex.co.uk